Experimental results and performance analysis of a 500 m/sec linear induction launcher (LIL)

Abstract

A computer model, previously validated, was used to study the performance of an experimental three-phase launcher energized by a capacitor bank and designed to impart to a 137 gram projectile a muzzle velocity of 500 m/s: (1) the build-up of the traveling wave was examined; (2) the connection of the drive coils was changed; (3) the resistances of the drive circuits were calculated and measured; and (4) the effect of the conductivity of the cylindrical tube (sleeve) constituting the projectile was assessed. Experimentally, a doubling of the muzzle velocity was achieved, from an earlier-obtained 250 m/s, to its present 476 m/s. This was done by strengthening the thin-walled aluminum sleeve by heat treatment (aging) to prevent it from being crushed when the input energy was raised to its design value. >